2014 Inaugural Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend Info

Update 11/13/14: Thank you to RAD Reader Paul for pointing out a change to the Coast to Coast Challenge experience for this race. Please see the update in the section below.

Runners are assembling at the Happiest Place on Earth to participate in the Inaugural Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend!! Disney’s partnership with Marvel has spawned many great films in the past few years and these races seem to be the icing on the cake of for this magical conglomeration. I can’t wait to see what this race has in store…including these super cool medals!

Like any runDisney race weekend, there are TONS of details that you need to know to make your race go smoothly. Well I’ve got all of that for your right here in one place! Let’s get started…

Health & Fitness Expo

As all runDisney race weekends do, the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend starts with the Health & Fitness Expo at the Disneyland Hotel. The times are as follows:

Friday, November 14th: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Saturday, November 15th: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Notice that there are only two days for the expo, which could mean big crowds. Also, since this is an inaugural race you can expect the merch to sell out very quickly. So if you have your heart set on something you should get there early.

All race participants MUST attend the expo to turn in signed waivers (click here to print your waiver) and pick up race packets, which include your race bib with B-Tag timing devices, race shirt(s), and gEAR bag. The gEAR bag also doubles as the bag to use for bag check during the race. This is also where you will receive any commemorative items you may have purchased during registration.

When you arrive at the expo, your first stop will be the Lower Exhibit Hall for Packet Pick Up. This is the first runDisney race weekend that you will not be able to have someone pick up your packet for you, so there are no authorization forms available. This is also where you will get your pre-ordered Dooney & Bourke bags and your Pasta in the Park tickets.

You will then proceed to the Upper Exhibit Hall to pick up your race shirt(s) and gEAR bag, visit with vendors, listen to the speaker series, and spend all your money on runDisney merchandise.

Resort Transportation

If you are staying at one of the Disneyland Resorts, you will simply be able to walk to the both the Expo and the Starting Line for each race.

If you are staying at a Good Neighbor hotel, there will be complimentary Anaheim Transportation Network (ART) shuttles for the entire weekend for runners and spectators. This doesn’t just include during race time…it is COMPLIMENTARY ALL WEEKEND, November 14 – 16. Make sure to get a pass from one of the drivers…this is a BIG bonus! The shuttles make stops around every 20 minutes, so plan your trip accordingly. The schedule will be extended to the following times:

Friday, November 14th: 7:20 am – 12:30 am

Saturday, November 15th: 3:30 am – 12:30 am

Sunday, November 16th: 3:30 am – 12:30 am

Here is a map of the Good Neighbor Hotel locations:

Driving Directions

Parking will be available in the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure located on Disneyland Drive and Ball Road for all weekend events. Standard parking rates will apply and there are no discounts for runners. Roads will be closing beginning at 5:30 am on race days and there will be numerous detours that will be set up. Make sure to leave enough time for traffic delays!

Costumes

This is one of the best parts of Disney races…the costumes!! I have a feeling that runners are going to pull out all the stops for this and come dresses as some super cool super heroes! Please note that runners are NOT allowed to wear a face mask of any kind and will be removed from the course if this is violated. So which super hero are you dressing up as??

Bag Check

Participants MUST use the clear bag provided at the expo to check any belongings during the race and affix the label with their bib number on the outside. Bag check will be located in the Lilo Parking Lot/Family Reunion Area. All bags must be checked by 5:15 am for all races prior to heading into the start corrals. Bags must be picked up by 7:15 am for the 5K and 10:30 am for the half marathon at the same location.

Start Corrals

The start corrals are located on Disneyland Drive between Mickey Way and Paradise Way. For each race, your corral will be listed on your race bib and you will only be granted access to that corral or the one behind you. You can find your corral placement by printing you waiver and finding the corresponding corral for your bib number. Corral placement for the 5K will be available at packet pick-up.

Avengers Super Heroes 5K

Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon

Starting Times

All races will begin at 5:30 am. The wheelchair start for the half marathon will be at 5:29 am on Sunday, November 16th. Runners are encouraged to arrive to the staging area no later than one hour prior to the race start time and be in your assigned corrals no later than 30 minutes prior.

Race Bibs

Bibs must be centered on the front of your shirt. Safety pins will be provided in your race packet at the expo. Do not bend our fold your bib, as the ChronoTrack B-tag will be affixed to the back of the bib which will be used to track your time. If your bib is not properly centered, damaged or covered, your time may not be recorded properly. Your bib will also be used for the on course photographers, so make sure the number is clearly visible.

Pacing Requirements

You must keep a minimum of 16-minutes per mile throughout the race or you will run the risk of being picked up and brought to the finish line. Keep this in mind if you are planning to stop for character photos. Those lines can get long and it’s easy to lose track of time. Pace cyclists and the dreaded balloon ladies will be on the course to let you know if you have fallen behind.

Aid Stations

There will be nine PowerAde and water stops along the course and they are located approximately 1.5 miles apart from each other. The PowerAde flavor is lemon-lime, so if that isn’t your thing you should carry your own. There will be one food station near mile 9 that will have Clif Shots available. There will also be four medical stations set up along the course.

Coast to Coast Challenge Participants

If you are participating in this challenge, you will receive a wristband when you pick up your bib at the Health & Fitness Expo. A runDisney official will put this on for you and it can not be taken off until you complete the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon. After completing the race, you will need to present this wristband at the Coast to Coast tent to receive your medal.

Update 11/13/14:According to the Official Event Guide (page 31), the procedure for the Coast to Coast Challenge has changed for the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend. Instead of receiving a wristband, participants completing the second half of the challenge “will have their photo taken at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo. Once you cross the finish line, please immediately visit the runDisney Coast to Coast Tent where your photo will [be] used to award your runDisney Coast to Coast Challenge medal.”

I’m assuming this is to avoid giving your wristband to another runner, but I am VERY curious as to how well this system will work. In particular, what will the line be like at the tent to get your medal when everyone’s photo will need to be pulled up? I’m looking forward to hearing reports on this!